The principles of infection prevention and control

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 2
Unit No:
K/616/3058
Credits:
3
Guided learning hours:
30 hours

Aim

SFH100- To introduce the learner to national and local policies in relation to infection control; to explain employer and employee responsibilities in this area; to understand how procedures and risk assessment can help minimise the risk of an outbreak of infection. Learners will also gain an understanding of how to use PPE correctly and the importance of good personal hygiene.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand own and other's roles and responsibilities in the prevention and control of infections.

Learners should be able to explain the roles and responsibilities of employees, for example:

  • following cleaning schedules
  • completing records
  • reporting infection control issues
  • using the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

They should also be able to explain the employer’s roles and responsibilities such as:

  • standard infection control precautions (SICP)
  • assessing risk of exposure to infections
  • providing employees with PPE
  • providing appropriate training
  • appointing infection control link nurse/carer.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Explain employees’ roles and responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection.

  • 1.2

    Explain employers’ responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control infection.

2

Understand legislation and policies relating to prevention and control of infections.

Learners should be able to outline current legislations and regulatory body standards such as:

  • Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA) 1974
  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations(COSHH) 2002
  • Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995
  • Environmental Protection Act 1990
  • Personal Protective Equipment Work Regulations (2005)
  • Safe Disposal of Clinical Waste 1992
  • Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005
  • Safe Management of Health Care Waste 2006
  • Health Act 2006
  • Health and Social Care Act 2008

Regulatory Body Standards for example:

  • Healthcare-associated infections: prevention and control in primary and community care 2012, last updated 2017
  • Infection prevention and control Quality standard [QS61] April 2014
  • Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014

Learners should be able to refer to organisational policies related to preventing and controlling infection:

  • Use of PPE
  • Management of occupational exposure
  • Staff induction and training guidelines
  • Infection control policies
  • Risk assessments
  • Monitoring and audits
  • Standard infection control precautions (SCIP).

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Outline current legislation and regulatory body standards which are relevant to the prevention and control of infection.

  • 2.2

    Identify local and organisational policies relevant to the prevention and control of infection.

3

Understand systems and procedures relating to the prevention and control of infections.

Learner should be able to describe procedures and systems for example:

  • hand hygiene following the Ayliffe technique
  • cleaning schedules
  • waste disposal
  • decontamination of equipment
  • management of linen.

Learners should also be able to explain the potential impact of an outbreak on the:

  • organisation
  • employees
  • individual.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Describe procedures and systems relevant to the prevention and control of infection.

  • 3.2

    Explain the potential impact of an outbreak of infection on the individual and the organisation.

    Individual refers to someone requiring care or support; it will usually mean the person or people supported by the learner.

4

Understand the importance of risk assessment in relation to the prevention and control of infections.

Learners should be able to:

  • define the term risk (likelihood to cause harm)
  • describe the process (identifying hazard, determine who could be harmed and how, evaluate the risk, record the findings, implement the actions, review the impact of the actions)
  • explain the importance of carrying out a risk assessment (to reduce risk and to prevent reoccurrence of infection, to improve practice and patient safety).

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1

    Define the term risk.

  • 4.2

    Outline potential risks of infection within the workplace.

  • 4.3

    Describe the process of carrying out a risk assessment.

  • 4.4

    Explain the importance of carrying out a risk assessment.

5

Understand the importance of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the prevention and control of infections.

Learners need to be able describe the different types of personal protective equipment (PPE), for example:

  • gloves
  • aprons
  • gowns
  • masks
  • goggles
  • face shields
  • visors.

They should also explain the reason for the use of the PPE, for example, to prevent or control the spread of infection.

State current legislation and regulations such as:

  • Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992
  • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
  • COSHH
  • SICP.

Learners should be able to explain the employees’ and employers’ responsibility for PPE:

Employees:

  • Use appropriate PPE for task following correct procedures.

Employers:

  • Provision of appropriate PPE
  • Provision of appropriate training on use of the PPE.

Learners should describe the correct practice regarding the use of PPE, for example:

  • hands to be washed prior to application and removal of gloves
  • safe disposal and use of a new pair per activity/individual
  • correct procedure for disposal
  • following organisational policies and procedures.

Assessment Criteria

  • 5.1

    Demonstrate correct use of PPE.

  • 5.2

    Identify different types of PPE.

  • 5.3

    Explain the reasons for use of PPE.

  • 5.4

    State current relevant regulations and legislation relating to PPE.

  • 5.5

    Describe employees’ responsibilities regarding the use of PPE.

  • 5.6

    Describe employers’ responsibilities regarding the use of PPE.

  • 5.7

    Describe the correct practice in the application and removal of PPE.

  • 5.8

    Describe the correct procedure for disposal of used PPE.

6

Understand the importance of good personal hygiene in the prevention and control of infections.

Learners should be able to describe the importance of personal hygiene in the prevention and control of infections:

  • Key principles - Remove hand or wrist jewellery, move or remove plain rings, keep nails short and clean, no nail varnish or false fingernails.
  • Correct sequence - For hand washing cover all areas of the hand using liquid soap and following the Ayliffe technique.
  • When and Why - Before and after any procedures, personal care, toileting, eating, food preparation, assisting individuals to eat, blowing your nose and smoking. To reduce bacteria/germs found on hands in order to prevent spread of infection.
  • Types of products - Antiseptic hand wash, liquid soap, soap type products, alcohol gels (70% alcohol) paper towels.
  • Correct procedure: Assess hand for cuts, cracks and breaks in the skin, cover cuts or abrasions, report skin problems to Occupational Health or GP.

Assessment Criteria

  • 6.1

    Describe the key principles of good personal hygiene.

  • 6.2

    Demonstrate good hand washing technique.

  • 6.3

    Identify the correct sequence for hand washing.

  • 6.4

    Explain when and why hand washing should be carried out.

  • 6.5

    Describe the types of products that should be used for hand washing.

  • 6.6

    Describe correct procedures that relate to skincare.